Hilton Times Square {US-NY}
Jul 30, 2002, 8:29 am
#76
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Houston, TX.
Posts: 26
Just checked out of the Times Square Hilton and as a Diamond Member, I had mixed feelings. I made my reservation the day of, and the Rep who checked me in told me that unless the reservation is done before 10:00am Eastern time no upgrade will be provided. The Hhonors manager came out and told me in fact there was no availability. Not sure about the 10:00 Eastern rule...never had this problem before, but they were nice about it.
Fair enough.
On the upside, the location is great, and the Food was Delish (Bacon wrapped Codfish).......mmmmmmm Bacon.....
This being my first Hilton experience in NYC, I think I will try again in the future, because after all it was better thanthe No-status experience at the W on Lexington.
Fair enough.
On the upside, the location is great, and the Food was Delish (Bacon wrapped Codfish).......mmmmmmm Bacon.....
This being my first Hilton experience in NYC, I think I will try again in the future, because after all it was better thanthe No-status experience at the W on Lexington.
Jul 30, 2002, 3:43 pm
#77
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Austin TX
Programs: Mr Swise: AAdvantage LifetimePlt/3MM, HH Dmnd, SPG Plt
Posts: 1,451
My SO checked in at the Hilton Times Square on Sunday. I will be joining him on Thurs. He also inquired about an upgrade and was told that there were no upgrade rooms available. He's a diamond member.
The desk guy told him that you should check in early to get an upgraded room. He said that by the end of the day all are taken. I've heard HHonors members claim the opposite works for them, that they'll save the nicer rooms for paying customers and then free them up for upgrades.
The desk guy told him that you should check in early to get an upgraded room. He said that by the end of the day all are taken. I've heard HHonors members claim the opposite works for them, that they'll save the nicer rooms for paying customers and then free them up for upgrades.
Jul 30, 2002, 4:23 pm
#78
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: BOS
Programs: JetBlue Mosaic, WN A List Preferred, Hyatt Globalest, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,966
You should always book your reses on the Hilton web site, and put a comment in the comments section requesting a Diamond upgrade to best available room. This makes it harder for properties to play games.
You should also check availability on the web or by phone just before arrival, if you think they are not talking straight. Perhaps at the front desk, for example, you call on your cell and ask what room types are available, and let them tell you nothing open? Sometimes you have to be aggressive with those properties that don't upgrade as they should. I have no idea of the HTS upgrade categories, but I seem to have read about Diamonds getting suites. I stayed once and was not impressed, and got no material upgrade as a Gold.
You should also check availability on the web or by phone just before arrival, if you think they are not talking straight. Perhaps at the front desk, for example, you call on your cell and ask what room types are available, and let them tell you nothing open? Sometimes you have to be aggressive with those properties that don't upgrade as they should. I have no idea of the HTS upgrade categories, but I seem to have read about Diamonds getting suites. I stayed once and was not impressed, and got no material upgrade as a Gold.
Jul 30, 2002, 4:48 pm
#79
Commander Catcop
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
I think I ahve stayed at this particular Hilton more than any other... and I am NEVER disappointed.
Staff is great, helpful, efficient. Good, larger than normal rooms.
No Executive Lounge, but may I suggest we all write Hilton to request one. Even some staff say that's the big setback of the property. Mostly sleep in so I miss breakfast!
I never asked for an upgrade but generally get a nice room wtih a city view on a high floor. Happy with that.
If you call the hotel you might be able to secure an upgrade.
FYI: It's been mentioned before but this property was to be a DOUBLETREE but Hilton chagned it mind a few weeks before the Times Square property becamea Hilton.
Staff is great, helpful, efficient. Good, larger than normal rooms.
No Executive Lounge, but may I suggest we all write Hilton to request one. Even some staff say that's the big setback of the property. Mostly sleep in so I miss breakfast!
I never asked for an upgrade but generally get a nice room wtih a city view on a high floor. Happy with that.
If you call the hotel you might be able to secure an upgrade.
FYI: It's been mentioned before but this property was to be a DOUBLETREE but Hilton chagned it mind a few weeks before the Times Square property becamea Hilton.
Jul 31, 2002, 6:20 am
#80
Join Date: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,274
As a frequent guest of the Hilton TS, I learned that the 10:00 a.m. cutoff is from the fact that mangement determines who gets upgrades around that time and assigns rooms for everyone. Suggestion: call in the monring before you arrive to request an upgrade.
I'm a Gold, but receive frequent upgrades because they know that I stay at that specific hotel often enough to know. Typically, I receive a high room on HHonors floor. The "upgrade" is a one-bedroom suite on one of the top two floors. It includes a big screen TV and CD-player stereo, couch, wet bar, and a couple bottles of water. Oh, yeah -- the jacuzzi bathtub hits the spot.
The restaurant is better than typical hotel fare -- it gets good write-ups on it's own. "New York" magazine likes it. But don't expect a good restaurant to translate into good quality room service here.
------------------
On the road, In the air,
I enjoy travel, From here to there.
I'm a Gold, but receive frequent upgrades because they know that I stay at that specific hotel often enough to know. Typically, I receive a high room on HHonors floor. The "upgrade" is a one-bedroom suite on one of the top two floors. It includes a big screen TV and CD-player stereo, couch, wet bar, and a couple bottles of water. Oh, yeah -- the jacuzzi bathtub hits the spot.
The restaurant is better than typical hotel fare -- it gets good write-ups on it's own. "New York" magazine likes it. But don't expect a good restaurant to translate into good quality room service here.
------------------
On the road, In the air,
I enjoy travel, From here to there.
Jul 31, 2002, 9:02 am
#81
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 941
Whilst I agree with the comments on room size and location I find the staff there to be amongst the rudest I’ve ever encountered at a Hilton. Management isn’t much better.
Check-in staff couldn’t care less and simple requests went unanswered or ignored.
The staff in the restaurant is also pretty poor – at all breakfasts, the waiter was clearly only concerned by the tip he’d get (“never wash red clothes with withes” was one of mine).
Securing an upgrade has been very straightforward – jetsetter’s comments are spot on (and ask the Diamond desk – shouldn’t be a problem).
Check-in staff couldn’t care less and simple requests went unanswered or ignored.
The staff in the restaurant is also pretty poor – at all breakfasts, the waiter was clearly only concerned by the tip he’d get (“never wash red clothes with withes” was one of mine).
Securing an upgrade has been very straightforward – jetsetter’s comments are spot on (and ask the Diamond desk – shouldn’t be a problem).
Jul 31, 2002, 7:43 pm
#82
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Cerritos, CA
Programs: AA Plat; HH Gold; Marriott Silver; UCLA Fan
Posts: 798
I'm staying here over Labor Day weekend at a cheap rate ($161). I am Gold. What kind of upgrade should I expect if I call that morning and ask, since I won't be arriving at the hotel until 9 pm? How are are the restaurants at this hotel. Is the comp breakfast any good? (This stay will be my 4th for the CNTU 50k program.)
Jul 31, 2002, 9:35 pm
#83
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
I was there last Thursday night (the 25th). Got an excellent room up on the 43rd, and a pair of free breakfasts. They even tossed in two bottles of water.
Breakfast was the usual eggs, french toast, saussages, juices, but it was all hot, fresh and good.
It was my first time there, I would easily stay again the next time I have to overnight in the city.
Breakfast was the usual eggs, french toast, saussages, juices, but it was all hot, fresh and good.
It was my first time there, I would easily stay again the next time I have to overnight in the city.
Aug 3, 2002, 4:55 pm
#85
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 19
Contact at Hilton Times Square??
I'm taking my wife to New York next weekend to stay at the Hilton Times Square for our anniversary. I'm a lowly gold but I was hoping to arrange an upgrade. Does anyone have any advice or an email for a contact at the Hiton Times Square that I may be able to make a request to in advance of our visit?
Aug 19, 2002, 11:40 pm
#87
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Programs: Delta DM 1MM, Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 315
Stayed at this Hilton over New Years 01-02. Did not get an upgrade, no towers or exec lounge. Did have 2 rooms under my name (HHonors Gold) and got bkfast coupons for all 4 persons. Very good breakfast too!
Have 2 rooms held again over this Labor Day. Would love to have some comments on this Hilton vs. the one more up by Rockefeller Center.
Have 2 rooms held again over this Labor Day. Would love to have some comments on this Hilton vs. the one more up by Rockefeller Center.
Aug 20, 2002, 6:40 am
#88
Join Date: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,274
Do a search on this board and you'll find several posts about the NY Hilton vs. Hilton TS (many from me).
IMHO based on my personal preferences, Hilton TS is better.
Hilton TS
- Golds & Diamonds can get upgraded room on top floors on occasion. But there are few of these, and it requires a little effort.
- All other rooms are clean, new, individually climate controlled.
- Right next to Port Authority subway station, access to anywhere in NYC.
- On the magical 42nd Street in the heart of Times Square ... great location.
- Rooms are on the 23-44 floors. Nice view from most hotel rooms.
- Great breakfast with coupon.
NY Hilton
- Golds & Diamonds can often get upgraded to large rooms mini-suites, but the rooms are usually in mediocre shape.
- Most rooms are scuzzy, old. Climate control in this hotel is an oxymoron. Expect your room to be too cold or too hot.
- Nice exuctive lounge, when open. These days, it's closed weekends.
- Close to MoMA, one subway line, and some Broadway shows, but several blocks from Times Square.
- Most rooms have view of other buildings.
- Good breakfast in executive lounge when open. It takes some arguing to get breakfast coupons for weekend stays.
------------------
On the road, In the air,
I enjoy travel, From here to there.
[This message has been edited by ontheroad (edited 08-20-2002).]
IMHO based on my personal preferences, Hilton TS is better.
Hilton TS
- Golds & Diamonds can get upgraded room on top floors on occasion. But there are few of these, and it requires a little effort.
- All other rooms are clean, new, individually climate controlled.
- Right next to Port Authority subway station, access to anywhere in NYC.
- On the magical 42nd Street in the heart of Times Square ... great location.
- Rooms are on the 23-44 floors. Nice view from most hotel rooms.
- Great breakfast with coupon.
NY Hilton
- Golds & Diamonds can often get upgraded to large rooms mini-suites, but the rooms are usually in mediocre shape.
- Most rooms are scuzzy, old. Climate control in this hotel is an oxymoron. Expect your room to be too cold or too hot.
- Nice exuctive lounge, when open. These days, it's closed weekends.
- Close to MoMA, one subway line, and some Broadway shows, but several blocks from Times Square.
- Most rooms have view of other buildings.
- Good breakfast in executive lounge when open. It takes some arguing to get breakfast coupons for weekend stays.
------------------
On the road, In the air,
I enjoy travel, From here to there.
[This message has been edited by ontheroad (edited 08-20-2002).]
Aug 20, 2002, 8:02 am
#89
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Programs: Delta DM 1MM, Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 315
Thanks ontheroad, sounds like the TS Hilton is definately better for Labor Day weekend that we have planned. I would be pi**ed if we got to the NY Hilton and the lounge was closed, as I agree the location is not as good for visiting the city for our purposes of arts, food, and nightlife. Perhaps I will have to try the NY Hilton sometime that I am there during the week.
Aug 20, 2002, 8:34 am
#90
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Kam Leng; Two Dragons GH
Posts: 1,615
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ontheroad:
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NY Hilton
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- Close to MoMA,...
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NY Hilton
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- Close to MoMA,...
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Just to clarify that the MoMA Manhattan location is closed until 2005.
http://www.moma.org/momaqns/directors_letter.html
Rich